Slaven Ljujić

Born in the historic town of Nikšić, Montenegro, Slaven Ljujić began his musical journey as a classical guitarist at the age of eight. Yet it was the allure of rhythm and the sound of drums that captured his imagination, steering him toward a percussive life. What started as fascination soon became his calling, and he dedicated himself to mastering the art of drumming.

His quest for musical growth led him across the Atlantic to the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he studied with world-renowned jazz mentors including Ralph Peterson, Neal Smith, Dave DiCenso, Marko Djordjević, and many others. It was there that he met Vinx De’ Jon Parrette, whose collaborations with Sting, Stevie Wonder, and Taj Mahal had inspired countless musicians. Working with Vinx on projects such as the New York City Summer Concert Series, Soul Kitchen, and Vocal Summit Sessions left a lasting mark on Slaven’s musical voice.

Back on stage and in the studio, Slaven has collaborated with a wide range of artists — from blues guitarist Clarence Spady to rock icon Corey Glover of Living Colour, and jazz legends like Linley Marthe (Joe Zawinul), Laurent Coulondre, Baptiste Herbin, and Ben Kraef. He has recorded as a session drummer for Kristijan Djuranović, John Hyland, Larry Watson, and Vinx, while also co-founding the jazz sextet Kuhinjazz, performing as both bassist and composer.

In 2025, Slaven reaches a new milestone with the release of his debut album as a bandleader, “Hope Molecules”, with his Super Group featuring Linley Marthe, Ben Kraef, and Laurent Coulondre. From Montenegro to Boston, Paris, and beyond, Slaven continues to perform, compose, and teach — sharing the rhythms that first captured his heart with audiences and students around the world.